7:30 LRN Newscast

LSU baseball fans are waking up in euphoria over the Tigers come from behind six to five win over Arkansas to advance to the championship series of the College World Series. The Tigers scored three runs in the bottom of the ninth. Two years ago, LSU won in walk-off fashion to reach the title series and Coach Jay Johnson says Déjà vu feels good…

Cut 12 (12) “…tied for first”

The championship series against Coastal Carolina will begin Saturday night.

A class-action lawsuit has been filed against CVS for sending a mass text message to its customers on the final day of the legislative session in a lobbying effort against a Pharmacy Benefit Managers bill, which did not pass. Plaintiffs Attorney Jerome Moroux wants to know what information was used by CVS in distributing its message.

Cut 9 (10)  “…and very quickly.”

CVS says it did nothing wrong.

The ongoing immigration crackdown has forced the cancellation of a major festival in the state’s largest Hispanic community. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

A deal has been reached to keep the horses running at the Fair Grounds Race track in New Orleans. Churchill Downs, which owns the track, threatened not to have a season later this year, because the state supreme court ruled it could not have historical horse racing machines, because voter approval was required. That meant a 46-percent loss in off-track betting revenue. Details of the agreement are not known, but live racing will take place at the Fairgrounds starting in late November.

6:45 LRN Sportscast

LSU baseball has had plenty of great moments at the College World Series. Add last night’s remarkable come back over Arkansas to the highlight reel. It was back and forth in the final few innings and LSU scored three runs in the ninth inning to win six to five. Jared Jones had two big swings, a solo home run to tie the game in the eighth inning and then the game winning hit in the bottom of the ninth inning…

Cut 10 (15) “…second baseman’s head”

Absolute heart break for Arkansas who failed to make three plays in the ninth inning which allowed the Tigers to pull off the unbelievable come back.

LSU is heading to the championship series of the College World Series to play Coastal Carolina, who has won 26 straight games. Coastal eliminated Louisville 11 to 3. The Chanticleers are 56-11 and the 56 wins are the most in the nation. Game one of the title series is Saturday night at six PM.

The Saints Hall of Fame announced cornerback Tracy Porter and safety Brett Maxie have been selected for induction in 2025. They also honored former Porter recalled watching the second round of the 2008 draft with his mom.

Cut 16 (15) “…(laughter).”

The Port Allen native went on to make one of the biggest plays in the franchise’s history. A 76-yard pick six against Peyton Manning and the Colts to clinch Super 44.

Maxie was an undrafted free agent and played nine seasons for the Black and Gold is considered one of the best safeties in the franchise’s history.

6:30 LRN Newscast

LSU snatches victory from the jaws of defeat and advances to the national championship series at the College World Series. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

During a raid at Delta Downs race track in Calcasieu Parish, 84 people were arrested on immigration violations. U-S Immigration and Customs Enforcement, State Police and other agencies were involved in the operation. At least two of the undocumented immigrants had a prior criminal history in the United States.

 

Kenner has cancelled its annual Hispanic Fest in September over concerns from Hispanic residents worried about attending the festival amid a recent increase in immigration enforcement activities. Anamaria Bech (“beck”), the publisher of the bilingual magazine VIVA NOLA, says it’s a huge loss not to be able to hold the event, not only from a cultural standpoint, but also from an economic standpoint.

Cut 5 (11) “…Latino or not”

An Acadiana-based law firm has filed a class-action lawsuit against CVS over its text blast to its patients urging them to tell lawmakers to oppose House Bill 358 in the waning moments of the legislative session. Jerome Moroux with the law firm of Broussard, David and Moroux says the issue here is using patient information for political purposes.

Cut 7 (06) “…kill the bill.”

CVS says it had a responsibility to inform its customers of what it calls misguided legislation that sought to shutter its pharmacies, and it acted accordingly.

FINAL LRN AM Newscall June 19 ***ADDS LSU VOICER AND CUTS***

The ongoing immigration crackdown has forced the cancellation of a major festival in the state’s largest Hispanic community. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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An Acadiana law firm files a class action lawsuit against CVS over its text blast in opposition to House Bill 358. Sean Richardson reports.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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LSU snatches victory from the jaws of defeat and advances to the national championship series at the College World Series. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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The federal immigration crackdown has led to the cancellation of the Kenner Hispanic Festival, which had been slated for this September at the Kenner Boat Launch. Anamaria Bech (“beck”), the publisher of the bilingual magazine VIVA NOLA, says a big reason is Kenner’s cooperation with Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Cut 4 (12) “…in that city.”

Bech says it’s a huge loss not to be able to hold the event, not only from a cultural standpoint, but also from an economic standpoint.

Cut 5 (11) “…Latino or not.”

Bech says it disheartens her that the ongoing immigration crackdown is putting a damper on cultural events, not only this one but ones like this all across the country.

Cut 6 (15) “…enjoy so much.”

Earlier this week, ICE agents raided a construction site in Kenner. It’s unknown at this time how many people were taken into custody.

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An Acadiana-based law firm has filed a class-action lawsuit against CVS over its text blast to its patients urging them to tell lawmakers to oppose House Bill 358 in the waning moments of the legislative session. Jerome Moroux with the law firm of Broussard, David and Moroux says the issue here is using patient information for political purposes.

Cut 7 (06) “…kill the bill.”

A provision was tacked onto that bill at the last minute, stipulating that pharmacy benefit managers could not own pharmacies. Supporters say that would bring down prescription costs, but CVS said that would have forced it to close all of its stores in the state. Moroux says CVS used private patient information in an illicit manner.

Cut 8 (06) “…across the state.”

Moroux says one thing he and his legal team wants to know is what information was used by CVS in distributing its message.

Cut 9 (10)  “…and very quickly.”

Ultimately, House Bill 358 died when the Senate failed to vote on the amended version before time ran out. In a statement, CVS says it had a responsibility to inform its customers of what it calls misguided legislation that sought to shutter its pharmacies, and it acted accordingly. It calls its communication with its customers consistent with the law.

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It was a game for the ages, as LSU snatches victory from the jaws of defeat! After giving up two runs in the top of the ninth to fall behind 5-to-3, LSU scores three in the bottom of the ninth – all with two outs – to beat Arkansas, 6-to-5, and advance to the best-of-three national championship series at the College World Series. Jared Jones was unquestionably the hero of the game, first hitting a two-out solo home run in the eighth to tie the game at three, then driving in the winning run the following inning. Talking about his clutch eighth inning home run, Jones says he was due for a big hit off Arkansas pitcher Gabe Gaeckle (GACK-el).

Cut 10 (15) “…second baseman’s head.”

Jones’ game-winning single came immediately after Luis Hernandez tied the game with a two-out double in left field that scored Ethan Frey and Steven Milam. Left fielder Charles Davalan appeared to be in a position to make the game-ending catch for Arkansas, but he slipped and the ball got away from him. Jones says games like these are par for the course for these LSU Tigers.

Cut 11 (09) “…no matter what.”

LSU head coach Jay Johnson says this game conjured up memories of two years ago, when Tommy White launched the Tigers into the national championship series – and ultimately the national title – with a walk-off home run against top-seeded Wake Forest.

Cut 12 (12) “…tied for first.”

LSU will take on Coastal Carolina in the best-of-three national championship series Saturday and Sunday night, and Monday night if necessary.

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The former long-time sheriff of Terrebonne Parish, Jerry Larpenter, has died. The sheriff’s office says Larpenter passed away peacefully on Wednesday. Larpenter was first elected in 1985 and served 21 years, he stepped away for one-term, and one was re-elected again in 2011 and 2015. He served as sheriff for about 30 years before current Sheriff Timothy Soignet replaced him in 2020…

Cut 13 (12)  “…Marine Corp.”

Following his service in the Air Force, Larpenter was hired as a patrolman in the 1970s by the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office. Soignet says Larpenter served the people of Terrebonne Parish with honor and dedication for close to 40 years….

Cut 14 (11) “…build upon.”

During his time as sheriff, Larpenter established a full-time K-9 team, purchased state of the art communications equipment, body cameras and bulletproof vests.  Soignet says Larpenter was known for his huge personality and his love of Terrebonne Parish…

Cut 15 (11) “…which you served.”

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The Saints Hall of Fame announced cornerback Tracy Porter and safety Brett Maxie have been selected for induction in 2025. They also honored former WGNO Sports Director Ed Daniels with the Joe Gemelli “Fleur de Lis” Award and Steve Gleason with the Saints Hall of Fame Courage Award. Porter recalled watching the second round of the 2008 draft with his mom.

Cut 16 (15) “…(laughter).”

Porter is of course known for one of the most iconic plays in Saints history with his 76-yard pick-six against Peyton Manning and the Colts to clinch Super Bowl XLIV (fourty-four). In four seasons in New Orleans, the Port Allen native recorded 227 tackles, seven interceptions and 37 pass break ups. He said it was a dream come true playing for his home team.

Cut 17 (11)  “…was unbelievable.”

Maxie signed with the Saints as an undrafted free agent out of Texas Southern in 1985. In nine seasons in the black and gold, Maxie recorded 438 tackles and 15 interceptions and is remembered as one of the best safeties in franchise history. He credited his family and his faith for where he is today and shared values they’ve instilled in him.

Cut 18 (19)  “…with love”

Maxie’s signature moment came in the form of a fourth down stop against the Steelers in 1987 to secure a winning record for the first time in the Saints’ 20-year history. New Orleans would go 12-and-3 that season earning their first playoff appearance which Maxie started in.

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Cut 19 (12) “…that doesn’t change.”

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Cut 20 (19) “…get going.”

5:30 LRN Newscast

An Acadiana-based law firm has filed a class-action lawsuit against CVS over its text blast to its patients urging them to tell lawmakers to oppose House Bill 358 in the waning moments of the legislative session. Jerome Moroux with the law firm of Broussard, David and Moroux says the issue here is using patient information for political purposes.

Cut 7 (06) “…kill the bill.”

A stark warning from Senate President Cameron Henry on federal Medicaid funding. During a webinar hosted by the Public Affairs Research Council of Louisiana, the Republican from Metairie says due to changes the Senate is considering on President Trump’s “One Big, Beautiful Bill,” Louisiana could be in for a huge loss.

Cut 12 (09) “…to the state.”

And Henry says that would certainly trigger a special session.

The Louisiana Motor Transport Association says progress on legal reform was made in the legislative session, but more work needs to be done. Executive Director Renee Amar (AY-mar) says the organization will continue to push for a cap on damages in an effort to lower insurance rates.

Cut 5 (14) “…State of Louisiana.”

A recent study shows that if you want Gulf Shrimp in Alexandria, it’s about a 50/50 chance. SeaD (“seed”) Consulting Co-Founder Erin Williams says 24 restaurants were tested that advertised Authentic Gulf Coast Shrimp and 13 of those were serving imported shrimp.

Cut 6 (11) “…Gulf Shrimp.”

4:45 LRN Sportscast

LSU will look to punch their ticket to the College World Series championship series tonight versus Arkansas. The Tigers beat the Razorbacks 4-to-1 in their first game in Omaha behind a sensational performance from starter Kade Anderson. After a rain delay interrupted Anthony Eyanson’s start against UCLA Monday night, the Tigers were forced to send out freshman and recent Sunday starter Casan Evans in relief yesterday. Righties Zac Cowan or Jaden Noot will likely take the mound for the Tigers tonight, but LRN sports director Jeff Palermo says both options struggled their last time out…

Cut 15 (14) “…to win.”

Tiger fans could hope to see Eyanson in relief tonight after throwing just 44 pitches Monday. First pitch is set for 6:00. If the Razorbacks win the Tigers will be forced into an elimination rematch tomorrow.

Cornerback Tracy Porter and Safety Brett Maxie were announced as the inductees in the Saints Hall of Fame class of 2025. Porter is a Port Allen native drafted by the Saints in 2008. He spent four seasons wearing black and gold and is responsible for perhaps the biggest play in franchise history: a 76-yard pick six to secure a Super Bowl XLIV title. Porter says being selected for the Saints Hall of Fame was a new kind of honor…

Cut 20 (16) “…on that.”

Maxie spent nine seasons in New Orleans from 1985 to 1993. An undrafted free agent out of Texas Southern, he went on to help the Saints to their first ever winning season and playoff appearance in 1987.

Also honored were former WGNO Sports Director Ed Daniels who received the Joe Gemelli “Fleur de Lis” Award and Steve Gleason with the Saints Hall of Fame Courage Award.

Lamar Brown, the top recruit in Louisiana’s 2026 class canceled his visit to LSU this weekend after visiting Texas A&M last weekend. The University Lab five-star is set to announce his commitment July 10

16:30 LRN Newscast

Governor Jeff Landry signed a bill into law that authorizes state and local law enforcement to actively intercept and disable drones that pose credible threats to public safety. GOHSEP Executive Officer of Security and Interoperability Thomas Mule (MUE-lay

Cut 9 (12)  …nefarious drones.”

Senate President Cameron Henry says it’s possible a special session will be needed if drastic cuts are made by the federal government in terms of funding for Medicaid. Henry says they are waiting to see what the U-S Senate does with the One Big Beautiful Bill. He says if proposed Senate amendments pass Congress, Louisiana will lose four billion dollars in Medicaid funding…

Cut 13 (07) “….to do it”

 

Federal and state authorities arrested 84 undocumented immigrants yesterday at Delta Downs Racetrack in Calcasieu Parish during a worksite enforcement operation. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 2 (28) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

The former police chief of Jeanerette has been arrested on cockfighting charges. The Beauregard Parish Sheriff’s office says they have charged 39-year-old Dusty Vallot of Lafayette with cock fighting and aggravated cruelty. Vallot resigned as Jeanerette’s police chief last December.

3:30 LRN Newscast

There’s a concern on the state level that proposed U-S Senate amendments to the One Big Beautiful Bill in Washington D-C will result in a significant reduction in federal dollars for Medicaid. Senate President Cameron Henry said on a webinar hosted by the Public Affairs Research Council that the reduction could be four billion dollars. Herny says he’s talking with Louisiana’s Congressional delegation…

Cut 14 (08) “….our delegation”

About 35-percent of Louisiana residents rely on Medicaid for health insurance.

Sea D (seed) Consulting conducted testing at two dozen Alexandria restaurants to see if they were serving authentic Gulf Shrimp as advertised, it turns out about half of them were not. SeaD (seed) Consulting Co-founder Erin Williams says they are partnered with Florida State University to develop a Rapid ID genetic high accuracy test…

Cut 7 (08) “…and reliable test”

Williams says more needs to be done to enforce Louisiana’s labeling laws.

Governor Jeff Landry says Louisiana has become the first state to authorize local law enforcement to neutralize dangerous drones. The new law empowers specifically trained officers to deploy both kinetic and non-kinetic technology to neutralize drones operating unlawfully near high-risk areas such as schools, public events, and critical infrastructure….

Cut 11 (06) “…against it”

Penalties for violators include fines of up to five-thousand-dollars, up to one year in jail, and mandatory forfeiture of the drone used in the offense.

The Louisiana Motor Transport Association says the Legislature made progress this year in trying to reduce auto insurance premiums by making changes to the legal system, but L-M-T-A executive director Renee Amar says Louisiana still lags behind other states in meaningful legal reform…

Cut 4 (12) “…rates in half”

Amar (AY-mar) says she hopes in future sessions lawmakers address transparency in medical billing, phantom damages, and pervasive fraud that distorts claims and inflates costs.

2:30 LRN Newscast

Potential federal cuts in Medicaid could have devastating effects here in Louisiana. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Law enforcement has announced the arrest of 15 people in Lincoln and Union Parishes as part of Operation Safe Streets. Authorities say the initiative was designed to enhance community safety through proactive policing strategies targeting violent crime, drug trafficking and illegal possession of firearms.

Governor Jeff Landry has signed a law that allows law enforcement to intercept and disable threatening drones. The legislation comes amid rising national concern over unauthorized drone activity near sensitive locations. Thomas Mule with the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness says there are more than two-thousand critical infrastructure facilities in the state, including two nuclear power plants.

Cut 10 (06) “…those facilities.”

Landry says recently law enforcement arrested several people for using drones to drop drugs and cell phones into a federal prison in Grant Parish.

Earlier this month, SeaD consulting went around to two dozen restaurants in Alexandria and found that about 50-percent of the restaurants advertising Gulf shrimp, were serving foreign shrimp. It’s illegal in Louisiana to mislabel the origin of seafood. Violators could be forced to pay significant penalties. Sea-D Founder Dave Williams says even with Louisiana’s strict mislabeling laws there still needs to be more enforcement.

Cut 8 (08) “…what we do.”

LRN PM Newscall June 18

Potential federal cuts in Medicaid could have devastating effects here in Louisiana. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Federal and state authorities arrested 84 undocumented immigrants yesterday at Delta Downs Racetrack in Calcasieu Parish during a worksite enforcement operation. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 2 (28) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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The Louisiana Motor Transport Association says progress on legal reform was made in the legislative session, but more work needs to be done. Executive Director Renee Amar (AY-mar) says she hopes in future sessions lawmakers address outstanding issues, including transparency in medical billing.

Cut 3 (11) “…the insurance market.”

Amar says legislation is also needed to eliminate phantom damages, and pervasive fraud that distorts claims and inflates costs.

Amar says one bill that passed that she wishes that didn’t was the one that gives the insurance commissioner the authority to reject insurance rate increases regardless of market conditions. She says that could drive insurance companies out of the state altogether – and trucking companies could follow suit.

Cut 4 (12) “…rates in half.”

Amar says the LMTA will continue to push for a cap on damages in an effort to lower insurance rates.

Cut 5 (14) “…State of Louisiana.”

Among the bills Amar says she’s glad were passed were one that stipulates that a driver at least 51-percent at fault in a crash cannot collect any damages and one that limits damages that an uninsured driver can collect.

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A recent study shows that if you want Gulf Shrimp in Alexandria its about a 50/50 chance.  SeaD (“seed”) Consulting Co-Founder Erin Williams says 24 restaurants were tested that advertised Authentic Gulf Coast Shrimp and 13 of those were serving imported shrimp.

Cut 6 (11) “…Gulf Shrimp.”

Williams says SeaD Consulting partnered with Florida State University to develop the Rapid ID Genetic High-Accuracy Test that delivers species results from raw, cooked, or frozen shrimp in two hours.

Cut 7 (08) “…and reliable test.”

It’s illegal in Louisiana to mislabel the origin of seafood. Violators face significant financial penalties. Founder Dave Williams says even with Louisiana’s strict mislabeling laws there still needs to be more enforcement.

Cut 8 (08) “…what we do.”

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Governor Jeff Landry signed a bill into law that authorizes state and local law enforcement to actively intercept and disable drones that pose credible threats to public safety. GOHSEP Executive Officer of Security and Interoperability Thomas Mule (MUE-lay) says this is a public safety and homeland security issue.

Cut 9 (12)  …nefarious drones.”

The law empowers specifically trained officers to deploy both kinetic and non-kinetic technology to neutralize drones operating unlawfully near high-risk areas such as schools, public events, and critical infrastructure.

The legislation comes amid rising national concern over unauthorized drone activity near sensitive locations. Mule says there are more than two-thousand critical infrastructure facilities in the state, including two nuclear power plants.

Cut 10 (07) “…those facilities.”

Governor Jeff Landry says recently law enforcement arrested several people for using drones to drop drugs and cell phones into a federal prison in Grant Parish.

Cut 11 (06) “…action against it.”

Penalties for violators include fines of up to five-thousand-dollars, up to one year in jail, and mandatory forfeiture of the drone used in the offense.

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A stark warning from Senate President Cameron Henry on federal Medicaid funding. During a webinar hosted by the Public Affairs Research Council of Louisiana, the Republican from Metairie says due to changes the Senate is considering on President Trump’s “One Big, Beautiful Bill,” Louisiana could be in for a huge loss.

Cut 12 (09) “…to the state.”

Speaker Henry says if that happens, it would be back to the drawing board for state lawmakers who just got done hashing out a budget for the 2026 fiscal year.

Cut 13 (07)  “…to do it.”

Henry says he has been in close contact with Senator Bill Cassidy and Congressman Steve Scalise, and he says he hopes cooler heads will ultimately prevail in Washington.

Cut 14 (08) “…our delegation for.”

About 35-percent of Louisiana residents rely on Medicaid for health insurance. Louisiana spends about 15-billion dollars a year on Medicaid, with federal money accounting for more than two-thirds of that amount.